Hopeless

Flightless #2

by Keri Neal, Linda Pitts (Editor)

On her seventeenth birthday, Jade is filled with hope for the future. She and her boyfriend Pen are in love, she is finishing her final year of high school, and she is finally safe from the Fallen, who wanted her blood to fulfill an age-old prophesy. Pen is not as comfortable with the truce they made to protect her, so he makes a new deal with the Arches and leaves Jade alone.

But not for long.

A new Guardian is assigned to protect Jade. Blake is rude and offensive, his methods unconventional. Because of his dedication to her she trusts him with her life. Best of all, he knows about the Surge—her telekinetic ability—and is eager to teach her how to control her power. With Blake’s help, Jade learns she can defend herself, with or without the Arches protection, against the evil forces that want her blood.

Then... Pen comes back.

He doesn’t like the idea of someone else looking out for Jade, but an army of evil is on its way to destroy her, and Jade needs all the help she can get.

The next book in the Flightless saga. Coming November 1, 2013.

126 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Keri Neal is a native Californian who calls Texas “Home”. Growing up an only child, she was a big movie buff and an even bigger reader. As a child, she would write mini-mysteries on her typewriter and fantasize about becoming the next Christopher Pike. As an adult, she showed no interest in writing until her BFF, Cheryl sent her a text one day: “I’m thinking about writing a novel…”. And so they did. It was a fun, soul-crushing experience that taught her about the thrill of self-expression and the agony of rejection. Keri lives near Austin with her husband, two children, two hamsters and a snake. She crochets, sews, reads, paints and loves all things artsy and craftsy

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Hopeless" by Keri Neal which I won from Goodreads Giveaways is a young adult, paranormal tale about a seventeen year old girl Jade Bellows who has been assigned a new guardian angel to help her harness the Surge, her telekinetic power. Upset that the Arches have recalled her boyfriend Pen, stalked by a dark force and having to return to her senior year at school, Jade 's only salvation is her friendship with Krista Luna. As her life takes a turn for the better and she begins to accept Blake's guidance, Pen suddenly emerges in her life, more human than angel, and she finds herself dealing with strong desires and a clash of wills between the two boys. In this story secrets will be revealed, love renewed and friendship solidified.

Interwoven into the violence and darkness that stalks Jade in this story are elements of friendship, love and loyalty. The plot is straightforward and there isn't much tension or suspense even when Jade is stalked by Crusoe and his partner. The characters are interesting but one-dimensional. Seventeen year old Jade is predictable, lonely and seemingly friendless when she returns to school, angry with her absentee boyfriend, drawn to Blake her protector, and ignoring her foster father. Pen Kelly's loyal, protective and loving but sometimes aloof from Jade as he tries to cope with his human desires. Blake's obnoxious, rude and offensive, his training methods unconventional, but he's also dedicated and trustworthy. Of all the characters Blake is more complex as his personality begins to change, assuming a spark of humanity after falling in love. Krista Luna is Jade's polar opposite, bubbly, warm, friendly and caring, but temporarily stunned and fearful after learning a secret about her friends. I did not find my interest engaged by either of the antagonists. They didn't engender fear nor were they very intimidating, probably because they weren't developed enough.

The writer's idea for this novel is fascinating and the story could be riveting but the plot is weak because it's underdeveloped as is the characterization. The story is very short, making it more of a novella.

[Cigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this in one of the contests and I am glad I did. I read the first chapter before deciding to purchase the first book or not so I could read the story in order. The first book was good, but Hopeless is better. I feel as if the writing has improved in this book, more detail and explanation put into the story. It felt more... fluid and thought out, less fanfiction like. The story has a hold on me and I can't wait to read more of it! At least I hope that wasn't the end, major cliff hanger. I will be buying the next book whenever it (hopefully) comes out!

Thank you for this story, Keri.